According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 28% of antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily in doctor’s offices and hospital emergency rooms each year.

Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed not only fails to treat your illness, but its side effects could also cause harm. Minor symptoms of unnecessary antibiotic use include:

More serious side effects are Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) or a variety of life-threatening allergic reactions, such as wheezing, hives, shortness of breath and anaphylaxis. Taking antibiotics without reason can also lead to the development of antibiotic resistance.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when there is repeated exposure to antibiotics which allows bacteria to mutate and adaptate to become resistant (which, at times, can occur at random!). This allows germs to continue to grow. The CDC reports more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result.

It’s important for everyone to pitch in to help stop the spread of antibiotic resistance and ensure future generations also benefit from these life-saving medications.

How can you help?

If you’re feeling bad, but antibiotics aren’t needed, talk to your health care provider to learn how you can alleviate your symptoms. Over-the-counter medication, rest and plenty of fluids will often do the trick.

Don’t misuse antibiotics. That means taking them exactly as prescribed. Don’t forget to report any serious side effects you’re having, as they may require immediate medical treatment.

Stay healthy by washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, staying home when sick and getting vaccinated. Together, we can all do our part!

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